Hello World – Inspiration and Motivation

It’s hard to know where to start, but I thought I could share a bit about about what I like to sew and what inspires me.

My favorite projects include creating gifts made with love for family and friends – most recently cloth napkins and a table cloth for a wedding gift. Some other gifts that come to mind include reversible tote bags, scarves/shawls, knitted mittens and winter hats, table runners, aprons and kitchen towels.

My daughter showing off her new zipper and “kitty” fabric from @stonemountainfabric

Now that I have a daughter, I also am constantly seeing things I want to make for her and all of the other little ones in our life (two adorable nieces, my daughter’s friends, our friends’ kids). I have made felt appliquéd baby onsies, felt animal hand puppets, baby blankets, knitted baby sweaters, reversible girls dresses, and even an Elsa Frozen costume. Check back for posts, pictures, and instructions on these projects.

Of course, I also enjoy sewing for myself. That is, sewing clothes or other items for my own use. One of my favorite clothing sites is Boden USA (and Mini Boden) – they use lovely prints and textiles to create classic garments. However, I am resistant to paying the steep prices (especially for a one income family living in the San Francisco Bay Area). In addition to the cost factor, I am a plus-sized woman and often do not find garments that are fun/playful, well-made, and fit well. I especially noticed this during pregnancy and post-natal garments that make nursing convenient. For now, I am hoping to make myself some clothes that fit the bill before we have another baby on the way – but in the long term, I would love to create for (or inspire) other women, who surely are looking for the same things I am.

My fabric stash – cotton flannel, knits, and corduroy

I usually shop at Joann Fabrics for staples and notions – they email out lots of coupons and this is an easy way to keep costs down. However, I am like a kid in a candy store when I go to my favorite local fabric store – StoneMountain Daughters. SMD has an amazing staff that is more than willing to help with every type of question a sewer could have. They also are home to beautiful and modern prints done by Anna Maria Horner, Amy Butler, Cotton+Steel, and MANY others. My fabric stash is made up of many fabrics that I just couldn’t leave behind at the store, but have yet to match with a specific project.

My husband and I lived in Minneapolis for almost 15 years before moving to San Francisco, so I would also like to give a shout out to my favorite MSP fabric and knitting store: Crafty Planet. If you live in the area they are definitely worth checking out for their merchandise and great classes!

Most recently, I am motivated by expanding my skill set. My mom (who also happens to be the co-author of this blog) has always been an inspiration to me and a wealth of knowledge on all-things sewing. A few months ago, she generously researched and purchased a used serger sewing machine for me. Since then, I have been seeking out projects to learn the various stitches and capabilities of the machine. I hope to share some of my learning process including challenges and successes in future posts.